Climate change, invasive non-native species such as brown rat, food shortages and other pressures are contributing to the dramatic declines seen in seabird numbers. Almost two thirds of Scotland’s seabird species have declined over the last 20 years, with eight including the Arctic tern, kittiwake and black-headed gull declining by more than 50%.
The draft Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan has been developed to protect Scotland’s seabird species for future generations.
Developed in partnership with NatureScot, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and British Trust for Ornithology, the plan sets out over 50 actions including:
- Enhancing food availability by improving conditions for prey
- Providing safe nesting areas by eradicating non-native invasive predators
- Increasing survival prospects by minimising bycatch
- Key research and monitoring of Scottish Seabirds
- Promoting awareness and international engagement by working in partnership with local and international communities, marine and coastal sectors, and environmental organisations.
Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said:
“Launching the consultation on the Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan marks a vital step forward in protecting some of our most iconic and vulnerable marine species.
“As top predators, seabirds are indicators of the health of marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance within marine food webs.”
NatureScot Chair, Colin Galbraith, said:
“Scotland provides vital breeding and foraging grounds for internationally important and much-loved populations of seabirds. As the latest research has shown, our seabirds are in trouble. This new Action Plan is essential to both protect seabirds and safeguard the wider marine environment.”
Full details of the Action Plan can be read here.